Sumatra

Straddling the equator, Sumatra is the world's fifth largest
island, and a perfect example of nature in her rawest form, with
grumbling volcanoes, lush tropical rainforest, and deep canyons
sitting side by side.

From the gallery

Our guide to holidays in Sumatra

Much of the island remains undiscovered by the majority of
travellers, allowing the Sumatran rainforest to harbour a number of
endangered species, including the Sumatran Tiger, and the Sumatran
Rhino. Now whilst Tiger and Rhino sightings are nigh on impossible
for the fleeting visitor, in the north of the island, the Gunung
Leuser National Park is home to a wealth of exotic flora and fauna,
including a healthy population of orangutan.

The old orangutan rehabilitation centre at Bukit Lawang is one
of those valuable conservation success stories, having
rehabilitated and released an impressive 200 orangutan into Gunung
Leuser, meaning those who are willing to endure the often humid
trekking conditions have a good chance of spotting these beautiful
creatures in their natural surrounds, as well as other species
including the charmingly quiffed Thomas Leaf Monkey. For those that
don't fancy the trekking, twice daily feeding sessions attract both
semi-wild orangutan, and semi-fit tourists.

For the real rainforest aficionados, heading deeper into Gunung
Leuser is a must to explore more remote jungle trails and lose days
hammock bound, swaying over the gurgling waters of the Bohorok
river. The village of Tangkahan is an enclave of
loggers-turned-conservationists who patrol the rainforest on
elephant back, aiming to prevent illegal logging and poaching in
this habitat. This ecotourism venture welcomes visitors too, who
can meet and bathe the resident ele's.

With Sumatra intent on doing things on such a big scale, it will
come as no surprise that the island also harbours the largest
volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba. Formed out of the largest
known volcanic eruption to have hit the planet in the last 25
million years, Toba is quite simply huge, measuring over 1600ft
deep in parts, and home to Samosir Island, which is itself the size
of Singapore. Toba experienced an eruption of a different kind in
the 80's, when an influx of backpackers brought full moon parties
to the lakeshore. Today, things around Toba are considerably
calmer, where days are spent relaxing by the lake shore, and
visiting the megalithic tombs and Christian Batak Villages in the
region.

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A note on price

A two week holiday in Indonesia including a few days exploring the rainforest of Northern Sumatra, with a little culture and beach in Bali, will start at £3000 per person. Learn more about our pricing

Weather in JanuaryJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Average Temp. — 30°C / 86°F

Rainfall — 39cm / 15.4 inches

Water Temp. — 28°C / 82°F

Average Temp. — 31°C / 87°F

Rainfall — 28cm / 11.1 inches

Water Temp. — 28°C / 82°F

Average Temp. — 31°C / 87°F

Rainfall — 22cm / 8.7 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 32°C / 89°F

Rainfall — 13cm / 5.5 inches

Water Temp. — 30°C / 86°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 11cm / 4.6 inches

Water Temp. — 30°C / 86°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 9cm / 3.6 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 6cm / 2.4 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 6cm / 2.6 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 6cm / 2.7 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 10cm / 4.2 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 33°C / 91°F

Rainfall — 13cm / 5.3 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Average Temp. — 32°C / 89°F

Rainfall — 20cm / 8.1 inches

Water Temp. — 29°C / 84°F

Flight from London

14:15 hrs

Time Difference

GMT +7 hrs

Explore Sumatra

The detailed knowledge of the team, attention to detail and
personalised service is second to none and goes way beyond my
expectations. Considerable effort is put into understanding my
requirements, creating bespoke itineraries, ensuring the trip runs
smoothly and also seeking feedback upon return. I always feel that
the team care about ensuring we have the best possible trip with no
glitches and for a competitive price.